VITEBSK, 13 May (BelTA) – Novopolotsk and the French canton of Chauffailles have agreed to share experience in self-governance and develop social and economic contacts. The relevant agreement on twin-town and friendly relations was signed by Chairman of the Novopolotsk town hall Natalia Kochanova and Mayor of Chauffailles, General Counsel of the Saone-et-Loire department Marie-Christine Bignon in Novopolotsk on 13 May, BelTA learnt from the ideology department of the Novopolotsk town hall.
Friendly contacts will promote relations in culture, education, sports. Belarusians will be able to get familiar with the region of Brionnais, South Burgundy will learn about Belarus. The two sides have plans to exchange the experience between the municipal institutions, inform each other on the life of the towns and regions, promote contacts between educational establishments, organize exhibitions and concerts. Environmental protection, sustainable development, social and economic relations will be also high on the agenda of the twin-towns cooperation program.
Chauffailles is the second French town with which Novopolotsk has established friendship after the town of Givors. Novopolotsk has been maintaining trade and economic relations with all CIS countries and 30 non-CIS states. The Belarusian town has so far established twin-town relations with Odintsovo, Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Kstovo, Pushkin (Russia), Mazeikiai (Lithuania), Ventspils, Ludza (Latvia), Plock (Poland), Weihai (China).
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